Jane Edwards
Inmarsat has selected Airbus’ defense and space business to develop three next-generation satellites for its Global Xpress satellite network.
Inmarsat said Thursday the production of GX7, GX8 and GX9 satellites is part of the company’s move to expand its mobile broadband coverage worldwide, improve ability to incorporate future technology platforms and provide agility in space deployment.
The first satellite is expected to launch in the first half of 2023 and the network development effort will include an improvement to the GX ground system to facilitate the integration of satellites needed to build an interoperable network.
“Worldwide demand for mobile broadband connectivity has grown exponentially in recent years and we expect this trend to continue. This next phase in the evolution of our GX network provides a dynamic and powerful answer to the challenges created by this growth in demand, building on the strong foundations we have already established,†said Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce.
Nicolas Chamussy, head of space systems at Airbus, said the company will use its Onesat platform to build the satellites for Inmarsat.
